Diablotin 2 session 66

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Prologue

[DiablotinNarrator] Two weeks have passed since Alma's wedding, and it is now the end of Seventh-month. [DiablotinNarrator] Announcements in the papers have made you aware (if you were not already) of the engagement of the Treasurer, M. Aden Olivier, to Mlle. Zivia Rademacher, the wedding to be held on the 9th of Tenth-month. [DiablotinNarrator] There is also report from the palace that Prince Menard and Princess Ilphere are expecting their first child to be born early in the new year.

• Sanadhil wonders if Zivia is pregnant too Lo

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame, Aden invites you and Portia to take an outing to the Eleusinian Museum with him, his mother, and Zivia. [DiablotinNarrator] Founded over fifty years ago by Prince-Imperial (and Head of the Castalia) Alexior Blessing in memory of his late mother, the museum houses items from the Blessing family's private collection of antiquities, as well as other items of historical importance donated to the institution by other parties.

• Aden_ draws back to speak with you, as the ladies proceed onwards into the galleries.
• Guillame hangs back with him

[Aden_] [q] I don't know if there's any point to this, but I thought, if Thea really was here the last time I visited, maybe we'd see her again...

• Guillame nods

[Guillame] [q] It's work keeping an eye out, certainly [Aden_] [q] Or else, maybe you'll be able to figure out what she was looking for here... if it really was her.

• Guillame nods
• Guillame will start paying much more attention to the other visitors and to anything Thea could have been looking for

[Aden_] Or if not, then at least hopefully we'll all pass a pleasant day together :) [DiablotinNarrator] The ladies make pleasant conversation as you wander through the rooms and corridors, although Zivia seems perhaps a little bored by looking at old statues and maps and green-tinged copper swords wielded by long-dead warriors. [DiablotinNarrator] In fact, the museum is quite impressive - it's been quite a few years since you were last here, Guillame, and you had forgotten how extensive its collections were. There are certainly many items here that would be worthy of study... or might attract interest from curious parties. [Guillame] (Ooo!) [DiablotinNarrator] Fortunately, it all seems to be well-guarded.

• Guillame half-heartedly makes a list, while keeping his focus on looking for signs of Thea

[DiablotinNarrator] You don't spot Thea (at least not thus far). [DiablotinNarrator] At last you reach the high point of the collection, the Chalice of Dawn. The large golden cup is kept by itself in a dimly-lit room, for it sheds a perpetual light. However, it is not without its unsettling qualities. [DiablotinNarrator] Clutched about the narrowest part of the cup is a withered hand, severed raggedly at the wrist. It is blackened and shriveled with great age, but still holds the cup tightly. [Guillame] It's fascinating... [Aden_] Isn't it... eerie, though. [DiablotinNarrator] The label on the item recounts how it was passed down in the Blessing family from Empress Beata (r. 142-157). It is said that its powers were once much greater than simply shedding light, including the legend that water poured from it could increase the fertility of the land for miles around, heal the sick, and perform other wonders. [DiablotinNarrator] However, the hand clutching it was that of an evil thief who attempted to steal the cup in order to heal his daughter. Its power slew him, but with his dying breath he uttered a vow that he would never release the chalice until his daughter was restored to him. [Guillame] [w] I wonder how much of that was true... [DiablotinNarrator] Since that day, the hand cannot be removed, though it was severed from the thief's body, and the chalice's powers have ceased to function, apart from its ability to shed light. [Aden_] It's an interesting legend, anyway. [Guillame] [w] Hrm. Of course, because he is poor and trying to help his daughter, he's an "evil" theif... [Aden_] Of course... [Aden_] Maybe they should have tried burying him with his daughter. At least then she would sort of be 'restored' to him :/ [Aden_] Although for all I know, maybe they did try that. [Guillame] It's a pretty good curse, for a thief. [Aden_] Yes.. I think people were better at that sort of thing in the olden days.

• Aden_ says wryly.

[Aden_] Dramatic endings and the like. [Guillame] People take you seriously when you can glue shrivelled body parts to their silverware.

• Guillame nods gravely.
• Aden_ chuckles.

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame, something about this is nagging at your memory. You can't quite place it, but it reminds you of something. [DiablotinNarrator] Something from your time in the dream-realm, you think. [Aden_] [q] Anyway... I suppose if it could be made to work again, it would be something she would be interested in - it would obviously help a lot of people. [Aden_] [q] Maybe even help end the food shortages.

• Guillame tries to remember, pushing past his distaste for those particular memories.

[DiablotinNarrator] (you can make an Int check)

• Guillame rolls 1d20+2: (3)+ 2 = 5

[Guillame] (Whee!) [DiablotinNarrator] (heh) [DiablotinNarrator] Nope, maybe it will come to you later. [DiablotinNarrator] The ladies have wandered on to other exhibits, leaving you and Aden to follow. [Aden_] [q] At least.. I hope that she would be looking for something to do good. But...? [Guillame] [q] I hope so too. I can't help but be a bit paranoid though, that if she's alive she's in it with him, or that there's something else going on entirely. [Aden_] [q] What sort of something else? [Guillame] [q] I don't know. Like, if he's not... that... at all, and someone else is doing it all...

• Aden_ nods slowly.

[Aden_] [w] Or if he... it.. can take different shapes, and now it's using hers... -_-

• Aden_ shudders at that thought.

[Guillame] [q] Yeah, that crossed my mind as well

• Aden_ sighs.

[Aden_] We should probably catch up with the ladies. [Guillame] [q] Yes, I suppose we should [DiablotinNarrator] You do so, and proceed through the remainder of the museum, not spotting Thea in the crowds.

• Guillame is both disappointed and relieved

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysabeau, Martan joins you for dinner at your house this evening.

• Ysabeau has been throwing herself into her Castalia final project of late, acutely conscious of a looming deadline in First Month. And so she has somewhat less free time than she did before.
• Ysabeau has done what she could to make free time to spend with Martan and Murienne, though. :)
• Martan brings in dinner, so that you don't have to cook :)

[Ysabeau] Oh, bless you.

• Ysabeau kisses him and helps him bring whatever he brought in.

[Ysabeau] (Is Muri away this evening?)

• Martan smiles, putting down the pies from the shop around the corner.

[DiablotinNarrator] (she is busy studying, let's say)

• Ysabeau puts him to work helping her toss together a salad to accompany the meat pies.
• Martan will help out, of course.
• Ysabeau sets the table for two, then and enjoys dinner with him.
• Martan makes casual conversation during dinner, trying to help you relax after a busy day.
• Ysabeau is pretty relaxed by the end of the meal, then, and leads him in to the parlour so they can sit together on the sofa instead of across from each other at the table.
• Martan joins you.

[Martan] I brought something else for you, too. [Ysabeau] More than pie? ^_^ [Martan] Hopefully even better.

• Martan takes a small box out of his pocket and offers it to you.

[Ysabeau] Oh...

• Ysabeau smiles at him before opening it up carefully.

[DiablotinNarrator] Inside is a gold ring with a small green stone. [Ysabeau] It's lovely. It matches your eyes.

• Martan watches your reaction to see if you like it.
• Ysabeau seems to definitely like it, maybe she even seems a bit overwhelmed.

[Martan] Try it, make sure it fits...

• Ysabeau nods, slipping it on without DMing it first because why shouldn't she trust him? ;)

[DiablotinNarrator] It fits quite well, and looks lovely :)

• Ysabeau admires it on her finger for a moment, trying to absorb that she is really going to be married, before she pulls him close for a hug.
• Martan hugs you back.

[Martan] So... have you thought about when you'd like to actually do this?

• Ysabeau smiles.

[Ysabeau] I was wondering the same. [Ysabeau] Probably before the baby? [Martan] I think that would be a good idea. [Martan] So I guess we have... about five months?

• Ysabeau nods.

[Martan] I don't know whether you want a big ceremony or just something small - smaller would probably be easier to organize quickly, if that's what you'd prefer. [Ysabeau] I don't really want anything big. [Ysabeau] I mean, who would we invite? How would we afford it? [Martan] I'm sure we could find a way... but probably there are more important things for us to spend our money on.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I was even thinking of eloping. But I don't know. I guess I'd kind of like to have Muri, Hettie and Merrow there, and some of my friends. [Ysabeau] But if Ilphere is one of the friends can we do something small? I mean, she's a princess and all. [Martan] I don't really know. [Ysabeau] I don't either. [Martan] As long as you're there, I'll be happy. But I could invite my parents, and maybe a few friends... nothing too elaborate, that's fine with me.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Let's go with small, then. :)

• Martan nods.

[Ysabeau] I'll ask Ilphere if she would want to come if it's not something big and elaborate. [Martan] Good idea. [Ysabeau] Actually, that brings up something else I should probably discuss with you. [Martan] Oh? [Ysabeau] Muri knows, of course. And I had to tell Sister Alma the other day. [Ysabeau] But who else should we tell? How much should we tell them?

• Martan nods.

[Martan] Well, it will probably be hard to hide before too much longer.... you're already looking a little more, uh, cuddly :)

• Ysabeau grins and squirms closer to cuddle him as they talk.

[Martan] I don't think too many people need to know about the Legend Lore, if that's what you're thinking of. If there is anyone you trust, and you think they could help figure it out, then of course you can tell them. [Ysabeau] I was thinking of the Legend Lore, yes.

• Martan nods.

[Ysabeau] People are already wondering why I felt anything at the Temple. [Martan] Well, if you feel like you have to tell them, if they're suspicious of you or something otherwise, then I suppose it's all right. [Ysabeau] You're sure?

• Martan shrugs.

[Ysabeau] I don't want to make things harder for you. [Martan] We don't even know what it really means. [Martan] I can hardly be embarrassed about something that I don't really understand.

• Martan says with a slight smile.
• Ysabeau tips her head up so she can look at him, and strokes his hair.

[Ysabeau] Are you frightened, at all? [Martan] I'm... anxious, I suppose. Because of the uncertainty of what it all means.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Martan] Are you? [Ysabeau] A little, maybe? Maybe not. It's complicated... [Ysabeau] I was scared, before I told you... [Ysabeau] I wasn't sure how you'd react, me telling you we're one step down that path suggested by the Legend Lore already.

• Martan nods.

[Ysabeau] I'm not scared about having a baby. [Ysabeau] I am scared of what it might signify for you, though. [Martan] I guess I feel to some extent like... whatever's going to happen, is going to happen. There's not much point in getting all upset before that. [Martan] I mean, we tried to be careful, and this happened anyway. If it's meant to be... if the gods have some kind of plan... then who am I to fight it?

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I understand what you mean, and admire you... That's part of why I am not as scared as I could be, I suppose... because of how you are taking it. [Ysabeau] If there was a way to fight it, would you? [Martan] Only if I knew I would win. [Martan] Or at least, was reasonably sure :) [Martan] Getting into a losing fight is a bad idea. Learned that much from Maze, anyway. [Ysabeau] Oh, sounds like there's a story here... [Martan] Well, look at where he is... it's not a good position. [Martan] Make your peace with the way things have to be, work within the system instead of against it, and you probably live a longer, happier life. [Ysabeau] Are you worried about him? [Martan] More than I am about myself. [Ysabeau] :/ [Ysabeau] I wish Marl would give me an answer for him. [Martan] Hopefully he will soon.

• Ysabeau nods.
• Martan embraces you again.

[Ysabeau] I'll come as soon as I have anything. You'll tell him that? [Martan] Of course.

• Ysabeau makes the most of her evening with her love.

[DiablotinNarrator] Dominik, you arrive home one evening to find your mother sitting in one of the parlours, weeping.

• Dominik frowns and approaches

[Dominik] Mother?

• Sydona starts as you speak, and wipes her face.

[Sydona] Oh, Dominik... I didn't hear you come in.

• Sydona has a bottle of wine beside her, which is mostly empty.

[Dominik] Has something happened? [Sydona] No... [Sydona] It's just that everyone's leaving, or already left... [Dominik] That is what is bothering you? Your children are growing up and leaving? [Sydona] Soon I'll be alone. [Sydona] Zivia will be married in a few months, and she'll be gone, off to the palace or wherever they'll be living... [Sydona] Jarvis told me today he's leaving the city. He wants to travel, he says. I have no idea what for. [Sydona] And Theron...

• Sydona begins to cry harder.

[Dominik] Please, you knew we would be moving on... it was bound to happen. [Sydona] I know, but ... not like this! That girl is taking advantage of him, manipulating him... [Sydona] She's talked him somehow into *marrying* her! [Dominik] Now that is a surprise. I never figured her to be so clever of Theron to be so... human. [Sydona] He's not... not himself, and she's probably just using him to get to his money...

• Sydona dabs at her eyes.

[Dominik] He will do what he will do, and being upset about it won't change anything. [Sydona] It's not too late to say that he was mad when she convinced him, that he isn't in his right mind and can't agree to such a contract. [Sydona] But... I don't know. [Dominik] If he is not in his right mind protesting like that will just drive him further away. [Dominik] But if that's what you want to do.

• Dominik shrugs

[Sydona] I don't know if it's the right thing to do or not. [Sydona] Have you seen them together? Do you think he's really... happy with her? [Dominik] I've seen them together, but who am I to judge such things. [Dominik] especially about Theron. [Sydona] I just thought you might... I don't know. [Sydona] You're all I have left, you're my baby. And you'll probably be gone soon too. [Dominik] We will always be around mother... and there is always grandchildren too. [Sydona] Oh yes... those... Theron's girl is expecting, after all ;_; [Dominik] You already have a granddaughter, or have you chosen to forget that fact. [Sydona] ... I don't know. I... [Sydona] I'm sorry, my darling. I have to tell you something.

• Sydona takes another drink, just to steady her nerves or something.

[Dominik] oh? [Sydona] ...There were others. He... he might have been your father, but ... he might not have. I think he is, because you look more like him than any of the others, but... I can't be sure. [Dominik] what? Others? [Dominik] You should explain yourself [Sydona] I don't know what there is to explain. I slept with other men. [Sydona] And if you wanted to marry that girl, I would stand up before the courts and swear that Alestin wasn't your father. Only if that was what you wanted. [Dominik] After all that I went throught and all the confusion NOW you tell me this? [Dominik] Who the VOID else could it have been? [Sydona] I ... I was so upset when I heard, and he said it must be true, and I thought it probably was, and I just... I didn't want you to think your mother was a whore :/ [Dominik] You were worried that I would think worse of you at the time? [Sydona] And *if* it was true - and it could be - I thought you needed to know that. [Dominik] Then tell me who? Don't let me wander blindly into another relationship with my potential half sister who may not be my half sister. [Sydona] [q] Jovien Escalera... and, there was a coachman, I think his name was Terris or Terrin or something like that... [Dominik] The Damned Count of Dymera... I fucking new it. [Sydona] Why? How? [Dominik] Oh I ran into him at Sister Alma wedding. He had such lovely things to say about you. I had hoped to bump into him in some allyway in the future and clarify my displeasure with him. [Sydona] ... [Sydona] Don't do anything foolish, please? [Sydona] ...I don't *think* it was the coachman. He had blond hair... [Dominik] Do something foolish? I seem to blindly walk into foolishness... [Sydona] It's all my fault :/ [Dominik] Oh lets see the foolishness... my daughter MIGHT be the child of my half sister or not... and the woman I'm involved with now had an affair with the man you Might be my father, but was diffinitly with my mother... [Dominik] I should turn this into a play... I don't know if I should make it a tragedy or a comedy.

• Sydona manages a laugh through her tears.

[Sydona] It's ridiculous... I don't even know what to think anymore. [Sydona] All I can say is, I'm sorry. I'm sorry things I did when I was young and lonely and foolish have hurt you so much. [Dominik] I'm sorry the man you married left you so hurt and lonely you would do such things. [Dominik] Goodnite Mother.... I need to be alone for a while. [Sydona] Good night, my dear. I'm sorry.

• Sydona returns to her drinking alone, then.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth, Alma, and Sanadhil, you return to the Nine Elms temple in order to conduct further exploration of its mysterious crypt and whatever lies below.

• Alma is already at the church when you two arrive, as she decided to arrive early and do some work beforehand.
• Sanadhil arrives at the appointed hour, dressed elf casual for exploration :3
• Seth arrives early also, hoping to check out some of the architectural features of the new temple.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth and San, the feelings are about the same as last time, you think.

• Alma gave Seth a tour of the church's upper area while we waited for Sanadhil to arrive.

[Seth] I have learned much about this place since last we spoke. [Seth] It is ... most fascinating. [Alma] It is? [Seth] Indeed. [Seth] Like many temples, this one was built on the site of an earlier one. [Seth] This temple was built, perhaps around 1120, but an earlier temple was here for centuries before that. [Seth] But the crypt is older still.

• Sanadhil enters and sees the two of you talking, and smiles in greeting

[Seth] I believe it pre-dates the founding of the Empire!

• Seth declaims melodramatically!
• Alma nods, not entirely surprised.

[Sanadhil] by how much? [Seth] That is difficult to say, given how little we know of the architecture of the pre-Imperial period. [Sanadhil] but it isn't similar, say, to the buidings we saw in Saraknyel] [Sanadhil] ? [Alma] I was just thinking that perhaps examining the architecture in the Shadow Plane might provide historians with a perspective on evaluating pre-Imperial structures. [Seth] Indeed, I agree. [Alma] Is there anything of particular note about the previous temple? [Seth] Indeed there is. The previous temple, which, let us call the first Wheel temple, is not well-known and seems to have been unnamed but the sources describe a location therein called the 'odyton' beneath it. [Seth] As you know, this means 'enter not' in Archaic Aveyronnais.

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] h,mmm [Seth] The sources are vague but I do wonder whether this is an early reference to the crypt.

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] or whatever lies within it... [Alma] So you believe this temple is the FIRST of the Aveyronnais temples? [Seth] I believe the early Imperial temple is the first, and that Nine Elms, which, incidentally, was not originally called by that name but the Furrow Lane temple, is the second. [Alma] I see... [Sanadhil] Ipresume there arn't any reports about this...strangeness?

• Alma looks about, still finding it hard to believe this very normal temple is sitting on the remains of the second oldest.

[Seth] The older pre-Imperial structure may or may not have been a temple.

• Sanadhil nods

[Seth] I have been unable to find any reference to the strange sensations I and others have experienced. [Alma] I haven't heard of any sort of reason to avoid the church, which you would think would arise if a number of the population experience a disturbing sensation. [Alma] No rumours of haunting or the like... [Seth] And yet, I feel them still, today. I would be very interested to know who else has felt them - surely in such a public place others have. [Sanadhil] that depends on the cause, I suspect [Seth] I suppose so. [Alma] I tried a Silence spell, to see if it would counteract the effect, since you hear it as a whining, but Ysabeau said it was unaffected. [Alma] Though I could try again with you both, if you would like. [Seth] In any case, the fissure or chasm that we discovered is not part of the original edifice, but an apparently natural formation. It could, if disrupted, say, by an earthquake, cause considerable damage to the temple above. [Sanadhil] It is not a sound for me either, though it would be interesting to see if it did have any effect for M. argo [Alma] If you are alright with that, Mr. Argo? [Seth] I suppose so. You will then immediately dispel it? [Alma] I will cast it upon an item which we can leave behind. [Seth] Very well.

• Alma withdraws a coloured pebble from her sack and casts Silence on it.
• Alma looks to Sanadhil and Seth to see if they appear to be reacting to a change.
• Sanadhil shakes his head

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth, the 'sound' continues unabated, though of course everything else is silent.

• Alma nods and will take the pebble over and set it at the bottom of the stairs to the balcony area.
• Alma returns, her footsteps making sound again once she gets about 20' from the pebble.

[Seth] No effect as far as I can tell. [Alma] Yes, I am not surprised. [Sanadhil] indeed... [Sanadhil] Should we proceed below, then? [Alma] Shall we... yes. [Seth] Agreed.

• Sanadhil nods and gestures for Alma to go ahead - its her church ;p
• Alma opens the door to the crypt and gestures you both through. She affixes a sign to the door to indicate it is closed for the moment.

[Alma] If we're going to open up the hole, I wouldn't want anyone to come down and have an accident. [DiablotinNarrator] As before, San and Seth, the sensations increase somewhat as you go down into the crypt.

• Sanadhil nods
• Alma seems not to notice any change, as she doesn't :3
• Sanadhil takes out a little vial of something and swallows it once we reach the area where the fisure is concealed

[Alma] I have examined the area for magic, spirits, invisibility, and so on, but have found nothing. [Seth] Before we go through, would you like me to inspect the area remotely? [Alma] Go through? [Alma] I thought we were merely examining it. [Seth] Ahh, well ... we already examined it last time. You were preoccupied. [Sanadhil] Ahh... I had thought the two to be the same. [Sanadhil] A more thorough examination, if you will...

• Alma frowns a little, but considers.

[Alma] Alright. [Alma] Yes, I thought it would make sense if you could see if your powers would allow you to see far beyond the floor. [Seth] I will try. [Alma] I'm not sure if I would be able to teleport us below, as the "bottom" is quite a vague location.

• Sanadhil nods

[Alma] It *may* work however, and I can do that without scrambling our bones. [Sanadhil] I have a spell we can use to climb safely... as well as rope

• Seth stands still for a moment in concentration.

[Alma] I will open the floor once oyu have verified there are no particular surprises on the other side.

• Sanadhil stands quietly, waitinf for Seth's assessment

[Seth] The bottom of the chasm has a hard floor. There is little to see in the immediate vicinity, which is all I can see, but possibly some light at the edge, suggesting a tunnel ... perhaps even an occupied tunnel? But that is all very unclear. [Alma] How far down? [Sanadhil] I wondered if there might be a connection to the undercity... [Seth] That, I cannot say. I can only see around ten feet in any direction from the spot I am perceiving, so ... more than ten feet down, but how much more, I cannot say. [Alma] Well, now that we have confirmed a location, I could teleport us directly. [Seth] Certainly, if you think that simplest.

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] yes. [Alma] It would... only interfere with ... my ability to scry, or purge invisibility, which I imagine to be unnecessary today, so that is likely easiest. [Alma] Should I leave the floor solid? [Sanadhil] that should be fine [Alma] If you aren't concerned I'll be incapacitated :) [Sanadhil] I believe we are all capable of exricating ourselves if necessary [Seth] Yes, of course. [Alma] Alright then, gather 'round.

• Sanadhil gathers
• Alma raises her hands to touch each of you on the upper arm as she chants Greater Teleport
• Alma focuses on the location Seth described.

[DiablotinNarrator] You arrive in a dark, narrow, uncomfortably warm space. You are surrounded by the smell of... flowers? There is a faint glow in a few spots on the walls, possibly from some luminscent worm or fungus. [Alma] How surprisingly fragrant. [Sanadhil] (is it enough for me to see by?)

• Alma will cast light on a pebble.

[DiablotinNarrator] The ringing sound is louder here, Seth, and comes in waves, like pulses. You can't shake the feeling you're inside a heart. [Seth] It is as if we are ... in the heart of the city, or ... oh, this is most odd ... [DiablotinNarrator] San, the chill you feel somewhat counteracts the warmth of the crevice, and leaves your hair feeling as though it's standing on end.

• Sanadhil absently runs a hand through his hair

[DiablotinNarrator] Each of you also begins to feel a tingling in your fingers, your toes... [Alma] (Alma as well?) [DiablotinNarrator] (yes, all of you)

• Sanadhil looks at his hands

[Alma] Oh... [Sanadhil] How strange... [Alma] I feel *that*. [Sanadhil] yes....

• Sanadhil shivers

[Alma] I'm ... somewhat afraid to try to detect magic. [DiablotinNarrator] It's exciting! It's strange, but that doesn't seem to matter so much... You all feel a slight but increasing sense of euphoria. [Alma] (IS this in line with an abundance of positive energy?) [DiablotinNarrator] The crevice continues for some distance beyond where your light reaches.

• Sanadhil casts arcane sight

[DiablotinNarrator] (Alma - k: arcane?) [Alma] (Sure.) [Alma] (or planes?) [DiablotinNarrator] (which is higher for you?) [Alma] (Planes) [DiablotinNarrator] (ok, you can roll that) [Alma] (39) [Alma] Do you see anything, Sanadhil? [DiablotinNarrator] (Alma - the positive sensations could be in line with that, and the pleasant smells. The tingling... that's sort of weird and unexpected, you think.) [Sanadhil] (do I?) [DiablotinNarrator] (I'm getting to it! give me a second :P)

• Seth casts detect poison

[Alma] I think some of the effects could be positive energy, the ... you feel it, the exhiliration? The smells too, from what I recall.

• Sanadhil will also cast detect thoughts

[Alma] I'm not sure about the tingling... that seems strange. Perhaps it's some sort of regenerating quality? I am not hurt though. [DiablotinNarrator] San, you can detect - out of line of sight, but within range of your spell - a strong magical aura. [Sanadhil] there is a string magical aura... that way [Sanadhil] (strong)

• Sanadhil points
• Alma also checks for evil -_-

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth, this area is poisonous. You can roll Wis to determine what kind. [Seth] (nope) [DiablotinNarrator] (or if you have Alchemy you can rol that but I don't think you do) [Seth] Something here is poisonous! I suspect this to be the cause of these sensations! [Alma] Oh great...

• Sanadhil nods

[Alma] That makes sense. [DiablotinNarrator] (anyone with Alchemy?) [Sanadhil] (not unless I can access Sen Brain ;) [Alma] (Nope, just Heal.) [Sanadhil] (unless it is directly reminiscent of any of his drugs) [DiablotinNarrator] (hey, you might be having a hard time accessing your brain atm ;) [DiablotinNarrator] (not really, no) [Sanadhil] (didn't think so)

• Alma attempts to cast Neutralize Poison on herself.

[Sanadhil] We should... hurry? [Sanadhil] ahead. [DiablotinNarrator] Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to be immediately fatal... yet?

• Sanadhil shakes his head

[DiablotinNarrator] San - detect thoughs only reveals your companions, if you can sense them. [Sanadhil] (okay) [DiablotinNarrator] Alma - Detect Evil reveals no evil in the range of the spell. [DiablotinNarrator] Alma, when you cast Neutralize Poison, you can still smell the flowery scent, but the tingling in your extremities stops. [Alma] Ah, yes the tingling is the poison. [Sanadhil] ahh.

• Alma casts Delay Poison on Sanadhil and Seth.

[Sanadhil] its tolerable.. [Alma] Who knows what effect it might have over time. This will delay the poison in your system until we get out. [Alma] And then I can clear it properly. [Sanadhil] ... [Seth] All right, let's carry onward. [Alma] Just don't go home without seeing me first :) [Alma] Yes, certainly. [Sanadhil] Of course.

• Sanadhil says to both, and will press forward towards he big magic-y thing

[DiablotinNarrator] San and Seth, you feel strange sensations continue despite Alma's spell. The euphoria, and you start to have ...hallucinations? visions? [Sanadhil] I don't sense any other minds in here... [Sanadhil] I.. [Alma] Yes? [Sanadhil] I thought I saw something, but it disappeared immediately... [Seth] I see ... something ... as well. [Alma] The tingling has stopped though? [DiablotinNarrator] (yes) [Sanadhil] yes. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth, you keep thinking about basements, and hearts, and veins, and this is like a vein in the city, an artery, and it leads to the heart, and the basement, the best things are always in basements... [Seth] Yes ... but this feels ... so GOOD! [Sanadhil] mm. [Seth] We are coursing through the very veins of the city, towards its eternal heart. [Sanadhil] Emkathon... [Seth] There is no doubt, this is ... remarkable! [DiablotinNarrator] San, you are a balance between light and dark, law and chaos. When they meet, the world always changes. And change can be good, or can be evil, and when good and evil meet, the world always changes, and change can be ... [Sanadhil] Everything is changing... @_@ [Alma] Are you two... alright?

• Alma watches the two to see if they are actually OK to continue on.
• Sanadhil mutters quietly

[Sanadhil] yes. [Sanadhil] That is how it is supposed to be.

• Sanadhil keeps moving @_@

[Alma] I'm not so sure that's a good idea, M. Orecalo.

• Alma will reach out to set her hand on his shoulder.

[Alma] I'm not sure the poison hasn't affected you. [Sanadhil] No... [Alma] Let's just go back to the bottom of the shaft to see if you're alright. [Sanadhil] Something else [Sanadhil] No. [Sanadhil] It;s not the *same* thing, no @_@ [DiablotinNarrator] You can all, even Alma, see a glow up ahead, that seems brighter than the fungus.

• Alma will step in front of Sanadhil.
• Sanadhil steps around her

[Sanadhil] don't you see? [Sanadhil] There is no *stability* in the center, only balance @_@ [DiablotinNarrator] Seth, the ringing pulses in your ears, so loudly you can hardly hear anyone else. [Seth] We must seek out the source. [Sanadhil] its so clear

• Seth walks towards it.
• Alma darts out in front of the two and casts Wall of Stone to block them.

[Sanadhil] Changing again [Alma] Yes, I changed things. Now let's go back and you can change your mind about this.

• Seth slips into the wal.

[Sanadhil] (lets wait 'til julie i off the phone) [Seth] (she is off the phone) [Seth] (+l)

• Sanadhil casts greater dispell :V

[Alma] (Doesn't affect it.) [Alma] Well bugger.

• Sanadhil looks at you confused, then will cast swift etherealness to pass through @_@

[Alma] Well there goes that.

• Seth will try to go through it, and then, if that doesn't work, then under it or around it.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth - the crevice continues up a long way - Alma can't possibly extend her spell upwards that far [DiablotinNarrator] So you could go up, over, and down the other side if you want.

• Seth will do that

[DiablotinNarrator] All right, so both Seth and San are through... [DiablotinNarrator] And very near the... heart, the source, the core....

• Alma casts Dimension Door to go through her own wall -_-
• Sanadhil is muttering to himself quietly.... so Seth probably can't hear me :D

[DiablotinNarrator] You catch a glimpse in the darkness ahead of a glowing sphere, colours swirling into white. It is about the size of a clenched fist, pulses, and from it comes a high-pitched sound that seems to resonate inside your heads. [DiablotinNarrator] And that's all you're able to see or hear, before you are struck both blind and deaf. [Sanadhil] beautiful....changing...colours @_@ [Sanadhil] :Hello:? [Sanadhil] :Everything changed again now it is the darkness....:

• Seth stands still, waiting for the next thing to happen.

[Alma] Are you two alright? [DiablotinNarrator] Well, Seth, you can 'hear' San's voice in your head.

• Sanadhil moves forward even though he can't actually se anymore, rowards where the ball was

[Seth] (can I respond?) [Sanadhil] (yes) [Seth] :Hello?: [DiablotinNarrator] Alma too, probably, as she approaches.

• Alma tries to step in front of Sanadhil again.
• Sanadhil does not appear to see you @_@

[Seth] :All has turned to null, no sight nor sound where once there was only joy: [Sanadhil] :There is still joy [Sanadhil] :perhaos that is all

• Sanadhil may wond up touching Alma inappropriately, groping for the orb :V

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma, you come up a few moments later and find them standing, blindly feeling around. You also see the glowing sphere, and... then nothing. Darkness, silence. [Sanadhil] :hello @_@ [Alma] .oO( Shit. ) [DiablotinNarrator] You can hear San's voice in your head, though. [Alma] Sanadhil?

• Sanadhil casts locate object, and teh locate creature o emkaton :D

[Seth] :What is happening?: [Sanadhil] :Yes [DiablotinNarrator] (ok, hang on [DiablotinNarrator] (when blind and deaf, you have penalties to casting, so I have to roll for you ;) [Sanadhil] :Its too much for us, too much change, too much power.... [Sanadhil] (I can silent and still cast, which should negate?)

• Seth will attempt to use clairvoyance on the area right in front of us.

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah, that would.. it's only a 20% failure chance on spells with verbal components, so you can take the chance or use silent) [Sanadhil] (okay - also i only actually have locate creature)

• Alma tries to respond as if it's a sending... :Sanadhil, are you ok? I am blind... and deaf, I think."

[Sanadhil] :yes, everything is quiet and dark: [DiablotinNarrator] Locate creature: You can sense her. She's right ahead of you. [Sanadhil] :It is very calming. everything is so peaceful. i'm trying to find her..:

• Sanadhil will go to where the spell says and try to pick her up

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth, you can clairvoy the area, and see your friends and the beautiful glowing sphere again. [Seth] :is it ... Emkathon?: [Sanadhil] :yes:

• Alma tries to think of how to get the two under control...

[Seth] :she is so beautiful: [Sanadhil] :Yes!: [Alma] :Are you talking to Seth?

• Seth moves towards the sphere once again, slowly.

[Sanadhil] :yes.: [DiablotinNarrator] San - the ball is hovering in midair, about chest height. You can try to touch it...

• Sanadhil will

[Alma] :Try to find me, I can get us out of here..."

• Sanadhil thinks at the sphere

[Sanadhil] :can you hear me? There is someone who needs to change agin... [Sanadhil] :Good, evil, good... [Alma] :Sanadhil, what are you doing? [DiablotinNarrator] San, your fingers touch the surface, and it's cold, and it burns, and it feels wonderful all at once. It's smooth and rough and yielding and hard as glass, and it sits at the fulcrum and you can feel that it loves you, even you. [DiablotinNarrator] You can't move it, though.

• Sanadhil cries out even though no oe car hear him, and cries

[Sanadhil] :She... she can't come. but she loves us so very very much. [Alma] :Sanadhil!:

• Alma struggles to find them in the darkness.

[Seth] :It is right for it to be so.:

• Sanadhil hugs the sphere.... it burns so wonderfull, Dozilva would like that @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] It beats against you like a severed heart. [Sanadhil] :I'm so sorry: [Seth] :We will find a way. We must find a way to bring her with us:

• Alma curses as she flails blindly.

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma, you make contact with Seth.

• Alma casts Neutralize Poison immediately.

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, rolling 20% failure chance - below 20 will be fail) [Sanadhil] :You're not meant to stay.,. you're meant to change too, in time.. [DiablotinNarrator] Ok, Alma, you neutralize Seth's poison, you think. [DiablotinNarrator] Seth - you feel your head clearing, though you can still feel some lingering aftereffects, smell the beautiful flowers that don't exist...

• Alma will try to move along until she has him by the hand.

[Sanadhil] :Good, and evil, and good.... [Seth] :It's going away, can you feel that?: [Sanadhil] :No, she's still here. Static. So wrong...

• Alma squeezes his hand once she has it, and begins to look around for Sanadhil, trying to bring Seth with her.

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth's clairvoyance can get you to him easily, if he so desires.

• Seth will let himself be pulled along.

[Sanadhil] :Come see her...: [Alma] Oh you bugger.

• Alma casts Greater Scrying on herself.

[DiablotinNarrator] You can locate San, then, embracing the sphere...

• Sanadhil strokes the orb comfortingly, thinking reassuring thoughts.
• Alma tries to move herself based on what she sees, like some sort of screwed up puppet act.
• Alma assumes from Seth's slightly less retarded demeanour that removing the poison worked, and will cast Neutralize Poison as soon as she contacts with Sanadhil

[DiablotinNarrator] San, you feel your head clearing somewhat, but you can still feel that love, radiating into you, and it's very, very hard to let it go...

• Alma tries to pull Sanadhil away gently by the shoulder.

[Sanadhil] :I... I am sorry

• Sanadhil still casts remove curse?

[DiablotinNarrator] on what? [Sanadhil] (still/silent) [Sanadhil] :A moment, Countess... [Alma] :No, I'm sorry. I should have removed the poison in the first place. [Alma] :What are you casting? [DiablotinNarrator] You can roll your caster level check, San. [Sanadhil] :break enchantment [DiablotinNarrator] No change, San.

• Alma supposes if we're calm enough to start casting things...
• Alma closes her eyes and casts Remove Blindness.

[Alma] (on herself) [DiablotinNarrator] Alma, you remove your blindness. [DiablotinNarrator] Roll 1d20 please [Alma] (6)

• Alma peeks through her lids away from the orb.

[DiablotinNarrator] You manage to avoid looking back at the ball and blinding yourself again. [Alma] :Well I can remove our blindness. Look away from the orb. [Seth] (I can't hear you!) [Alma] (I'm talking to Sanadhil anyway :P)

• Alma attempts to teleport us to the surface.

[Alma] :Agh! My incantation failed. [Alma] :Are we ready to go Sanadhil? [Sanadhil] :I ...don't want to leave her.... [Alma] :I don't think it's going anywhere. [Sanadhil] :...I know [Alma] :So tell Seth to get ready to go. I need him to be willing in order to get us out of here.

• Sanadhil telepathically promises he sphere who probably can't hear her that he will come back ;_;

[Sanadhil] :Mr Argo, the countess is preparing to evacuate us... [Seth] :Yes ... I suppose ...: [Alma] :Ready?

• Alma prepares to cast Word of Recall
• Alma stomps her foot in frustration
• Alma tries again!
• Alma arrives with her two blinded companions in the entryway of her home.
• Sanadhil tries to dry his eyes, though he still can't see

[DiablotinNarrator] All right... let's wrap up there, assuming you can get them unblinded and, if you have enough spells, undeafened. [Sanadhil] (clean up the blubbering, etc) [Sanadhil] :Where are we? [Sanadhil] (okay we can pick up later :)

• Alma removes her hand from Seth as his voice returns.

[Alma] That should be everything... [Sanadhil] (i assume you did me first then?) [Alma] (Yeah that's what I was aiming for :P) [Alma] Would you both like to sit down for a few minutes? [Seth] Well ... well.

• Seth sits down.
• Sanadhil runs his fingers through his hair again, trying to straighten i, wishing he had Dozilva's handy little spell
• Alma leads us to a sitting room rather than the entry way for sitting down.
• Sanadhil eyes are probably still puffy,, and he is pribably already sitting
• Sanadhil follows Alma, rather, and will sit as soon as is proper

[Seth] No one can know about this. [Sanadhil] Why? [Seth] Unless I am gravely mistaken, M. Orecalo, we were in the presence of Emkathon.

• Seth 's hands are shaking.

[Sanadhil] we were - we certainly were. [Alma] Well certainly Laeken shouldn't learn about our expedition without some sort of insurance... [Sanadhil] I used a spell to locate her.

• Sanadhil looks to Alma

[Seth] Pardon? I don't understand. [Sanadhil] That is absoluetly certain [Sanadhil] When we were blind, below. [Sanadhil] I used a location spell to find the orb... only I cast it on Emkathon. [Sanadhil] it was her [Seth] Ah, I see. [Seth] I cannot see who can possibly be told about this safely. [Sanadhil] the princess.... [Sanadhil] all those who were with us in the crypt will want to know what was there [Seth] We could, of course, tell them that nothing of interest was there. Or ... anything, except what was actually there. [Alma] I'm not sure that leaving Emkathon there unprotected is a good idea. [Sanadhil] Telling and convincing are different matters [Sanadhil] She's still imprisoned. [Alma] Yes, I noticed. [Seth] She seems to have done well enough for herself these past 2000 years. [Sanadhil] which means that she is to some measure protected, save for against very powerful magics [Sanadhil] and as we experienced, there are other protections at work as well [Alma] I'm fairly certain what we experienced is merely incidental. [Sanadhil] even so [Sanadhil] your stone wall remains in place also [Seth] Anyone who is told anything about this is in grave peril. We need to be very aware of that fact. [Sanadhil] yes. [Alma] Yes but to undo the Imprisonment one merely needs to be at the spot where it was performed. Presumably this is directly above the orb. [Seth] What is needed, to undo an imprisonment? [Sanadhil] a Freedom spell [Alma] A powerful arcanist would be necessary. [Sanadhil] it is very powerful magic

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] (Julie, do I know, or is there anythig I can roll to see if I know, what casters are around who might be able to cast somethig that high?) [Seth] Let me ask it differently then. Let us presume for a moment that we might need to tell M. Rionet and Mlle. Chanuier and the princess. I agree that might be necessary. [Sanadhil] Because of the nature of arcane learning, sorcerers are very limited in the spells of that level they can know.... [Sanadhil] it is not *likelY8 that anyone in the city has it researched [Seth] I will have to trust your word on that fact. [Seth] I am very concerned that someone would attempt to release her in a dangerous way or for ill ends ... perhaps the Black Down cult ...

• Sanadhil considers

[Curtana] (you would imagine Vianca could. possibly Cunningham, possibly someone else at the Castalia. Possibly Theonee. Certainly there are others San doesn't know. But as to whether any of them would know it... unlikely?)

• Seth glances over at San fleetingly.

[Alma] It's possible however that it may be known to summoned outsiders. For example, what if this demonic scribe you spoke of is a wizard. [Sanadhil] I'm fairly sure there are no casters that accomplished among them.... [Sanadhil] but Mme Belden may be able to cast it. She's powerful enough.

• Sanadhil nods]

[Sanadhil] I don't know the abilities of every caster in the city, certainly [Sanadhil] it woudl be easier for a Wizard, absolutely [Seth] What advantage would accrue to us from telling others? The risks are obvious. [Sanadhil] or with a scroll... [Sanadhil] you're right [Alma] It might allow us to protect the location from someone trying to free her. [Sanadhil] I was thinking only of our direct peers, who likely already suspect the truth [Seth] Since she has not been freed, no one knows where she is who can also free her. [Sanadhil] I... I can't imagine how anyone could wish her ill [Alma] They may not yet know they have to look for her. "Discern location" is most likely a significantly more common spell for arcanists. [Alma] And it's available to any priest with the capability. [Alma] Finding her is a lot easier than freeing her. [Seth] But why would we tell them that she is even in the city? [Alma] Well I don't suggest we tell THEM. [Sanadhil] indeed, why tell of her existence at all...

• Sanadhil still seems a little shaken, perhaps?

[Alma] Reverend Father Theron, and through him possibly the Council of Reverends, is already aware of the existence of Emkathon. [Seth] Fine, this is fine, it does not tell them anything about her location. [Alma] No, but as I said, it's easier to find her than it is to free her. [Seth] But presumably if they really wanted to find her, they could already have done so. [Seth] In fact, I cannot see anything we can do to prevent them from doing so, realistically. [Sanadhil] if you are not comfortable keeping secrets, tell them you know where she is and believe it in the best interest of the city to keep that information protected [Alma] Except by guarding the location. [Sanadhil] The Reverend fther trusts you [Seth] I hardly think that guarding the location itself is safe, and guarding the crypt would surely be obtrusive. [Sanadhil] She's so powerful - I don't think we can hide her any better [Alma] That is precisely my point. [Sanadhil] he power shuldn't ...leak...beyond the spell as it does. [Alma] You shouldn't have been able to find her with a Locate Person either. Nothing ABOUT this is normal. [Seth] I imagine that the return of Laeken has *something* to do with that. [Sanadhil] why? [Sanadhil] why do you think so? [Seth] Because something has to have changed, and that is an obvious source of change. [Alma] It does seem... questionable that for a thousand years no one noticed this effect. [Sanadhil] S- M. Argo, have you had any luck discovering if there have been any others with your abilities? [Seth] Obviously it has something to do with us as well, but the exact source is unclear; why, for instance, were you unaffected, Sister? [Seth] I have not found any, no. [Alma] I'm not entirely sure. [Alma] Mr. Rademacher's obliviousness discounts the suggestion that mere proximity to the Arch could cause it. [Sanadhil] She's not been touched by any related power perhaps... [Sanadhil] not proximity, no

• Sanadhil frowns

[Alma] M. Orecalo as well similarly dicounts the idea of it being related to blood. [Sanadhil] not *singularly* [Sanadhil] I'm sure it is a factor, especially i the case of Princess Ilphere [Seth] Perhaps. [Alma] Yes, precisely, it's something ... more I suppose. [Sanadhil] it is a shame the Empress wasn't at the wedding - I could have asked her [Alma] She was... not feeling well. [Seth] Well I do not think it wise to go around asking guests retrospectively if they felt odd at the temple.

• Alma looks at Sanadhil.
• Sanadhil gives Alma a curious looks, but shakes his head

[Alma] You suspect the Empress shares a connection through blood, as ... Trueblood o_o [Sanadhil] yes [Sanadhil] She's had visions before as well... I thought you knew this? [Alma] No, you mentioned Theron Rademacher, but not the Empress. [Seth] I don't believe I knew about the Empress' visions either. [Alma] I suppose it's good I didn't invite poor Theron.

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] liekly so.

• Sanadhil rubs his brow as he is clearly not thinking straight still @_@

[Sanadhil] So.

• Seth sighs deeply.

[Seth] So. [Sanadhil] We tell the others? And no one else? [Seth] Yes, I suppose so. But we must all be sworn to secrecy on this. Her safety may depend on it. [Alma] I still think that the path is clear, and its days hidden are numbered, some sort of protections must be put in place. [Seth] I still do not understand why you think that? Because you told the Reverend Father about her? [Alma] Well I'm going on the assumption that the Order has resources as we do, and will eventually find out. [Alma] Surely if they consult with a demon who predates the Empire, they know of Emkathon, even if they don't know about the pact. [Seth] M. Orecalo, what is your sense of the Order's interest in Emkathon?

• Alma looks at Sanadhil.

[Sanadhil] so far as I know, they continue to be mostly concerned with The One referenced in the ceremony you overheard [Seth] And they are still convinced, as are we, that this is the Chancellor?

• Sanadhil nods.
• Sanadhil looks to Alma "that entirely depends on how willing earric is to be of assistance, i shoudl think. I have never heard of her before Ilphere discovered the name."

[Seth] Then I think the presumption is that if they do know of Emkathon, that they either have no real interest in her, or else lack the ability to do anything about it. [Sanadhil] Indeed, that seems fair. [Alma] So they know of Emkathon because you told them? D: [Sanadhil] What? [Sanadhil] I did not tell them anything of her.

• Sanadhil says, and quite honestly :o

[Alma] ... I thought you just said... [Alma] My mistake... [Alma] :| [Sanadhil] I said I heard of her from Ilphere! [Alma] No, I thought you said that they are primarily interesteed in Emkathon as she relates to The One...

• Sanadhil gives Alma a slightly incredulous look, and looks to Seth

[Sanadhil] Perhaps I am not speaking clearly. [Alma] We're all ... unsettled. [Sanadhil] I said nothig of Emkathon. They are still interested in The One. [Alma] Yes, I understand now. [Sanadhil] Very well. [Seth] Let me ask a different question. Truly, why are we interested in her? [Sanadhil] She is Love... [Alma] We need either to free her, or keep her imprisoned. Unfortunately we don't know which. [Sanadhil] We can't keep her there. [Alma] And why is that? [Sanadhil] its just... [Sanadhil] You can't understand. [Sanadhil] It wrong. [Alma] I can't?

• Seth looks to Sanadhil.

[Seth] It is ... it was ... remarkable. I agree with you fully in that respect. [Sanadhil] You didn't *feel* her [Seth] But the idea that releasing her is the right answer is ... uncertain, and very risky. [Seth] Laeken said as much. [Alma] If her presence is the only thing that can keep Kavreshar from destroying the city, then I don't care how wonderful your trip was. [Sanadhil] You have no idea. [Sanadhil] but I have not the power to release her, so don't concern yourselves. [Seth] I do have an idea, M. Orecalo, and I do not think that releasing her is so obvious.

• Sanadhil says with a trace of bitter

[Sanadhil] No, you don't. [Alma] One might also consider that perhaps your poison fuelled impressions are a little suspect. [Seth] Perhaps you could enlighten us then? [Alma] You were *poisoned* [Alma] How do I need to elaborate? [Seth] I mean M. Orecalo. [Sanadhil] I dn't have the words. But even after you released me from the poisons effects... you have no idea how hard it was to leave her.

• Seth nods.

[Seth] There clearly is a powerful force drawing people, or at least, some people, to her. [Sanadhil] (I'm assuming that since Alma magic'd us away he didn't really let go of her until we were whisked ;) [Alma] One would imagine that you of all people, as guarded as you are all the time, should find such a powerful impulse to be unnatural. [Sanadhil] I know. [Sanadhil] And i don't. [Sanadhil] And that should be telling in itself, shoudl it not? [Sanadhil] There was no compulsion to touch her [Alma] I... while I don't think it's likely that the "Mother of Mercy" would have nefarious interests, you should not assume it impossible that it's a manufactured feeling, not one that comes naturally in her presence. [Alma] No compulsion? [Sanadhil] no. [Sanadhil] fascination at first [Sanadhil] But....

• Sanadhil really doesn't have the words

[Sanadhil] Such love... [Alma] Well I felt no compulsion, and you two haven't experienced it without the effect of poison, so we can't say that for sure. [Alma] When off your gourds you certainly did everything you could to ignore my suggestion that we stop and talk about barging in.

• Sanadhil makes an absent graping gesture

[Sanadhil] (grasping) [Seth] I have experienced many things in the past year, many visions, many strange emotions ... I grant that this was the most powerful, *in that moment*. [Seth] But we need to reflect on this more deeply. [Sanadhil] It is the most powerful emotion I have ever experienced. Ever. [Sanadhil] Bt you're right. of course it bears more reflection. [Alma] Regardless, if you look at it rationally, and if anything we've learned is truth, Emkathon volunteered. [Seth] I agree that we should be loath to sunder such a powerful oath-linked bond of an entity far more powerful than we can imagine. [Sanadhil] Then we need more information [Alma] .oO( Yes, more world-shattering information that leaves us even more confused ... ) [Sanadhil] in that regard, nothing has changed [Sanadhil] Is there anything further to discuss at the moment, then? [Seth] I do not believe so. I will depart and think on these matters further. [Alma] Well, I suggest you both launder your garments as soon as you return. [Alma] It's possible that the poison might have gotten into the fabric, and the magical immunity will only last so long.

• Sanadhil nods

[Seth] I agree. [Sanadhil] How long?

• Sanadhil asks curiously

[Alma] About two hours in total... so I suppose you've not that much longer... [Sanadhil] then perhaos we had best be on our way.

• Alma stands and will lead you both out.
• Sanadhil stands somewhat shakily and will head off ...home.
• Alma closes the door behind them, intensely relieved there was no agreement not to tell anyone.
• Alma immediately prepares a few letters.

• Symon will catch you after one of our less and less frequent quartet practices. "Come, have a drink with me. We haven't talked in ages."

[Ysabeau] Oh, sure. :) [Ysabeau] Where would you like to go?

• Symon will lead you to a nearby parlour.

[Symon] There's plenty of space for our cases here :)

• Ysabeau nods.
• Symon will order us some casual drinks.

[Ysabeau] What have you been doing lately when we are not slaving over our instruments? [Symon] Trying to avoid work as much as possible :) [Ysabeau] Oh, Symon. You're incorrigible. ;) [Symon] I've been half-attending some classes at the Castalia for fun... [Ysabeau] Symon! You can't learn much if you don't go to *all* your classes... [Ysabeau] Besides, why would you pay so much for something and then not do it? [Symon] Well I'm mostly using it as an excuse not to pay attention to my father's work when I'm not performing. [Symon] "Sorry, I have class!" seems to work well :) [Symon] And you? [Ysabeau] Oh, I've been up to all sorts of things. [Ysabeau] Have you heard from the Palace about playing with the orchestra? [Ysabeau] :) [Symon] Yes, I have an audition coming up, actually :) That, and being invited to play at fancy events has also helped to keep my father placated :) [Symon] Did you see he was actually invited to the Béziers-Rackley wedding? [Symon] I think it did him good to see me "working" :) [Ysabeau] I didn't realize! Sorry! [Ysabeau] My mind must have been on too many other things that night. [Ysabeau] Well, I'm glad he saw you working. Hopefully what you got paid also made an impression. [Symon] Well I don't know that you've ever met him? [Symon] Apparently the Countess has approached him about some business venture, so they're acquainted. [Ysabeau] Ah, perhaps she wants to build a rail to her county.

• Symon shrugs.

[Ysabeau] I hope she does! :D [Ysabeau] One of these days I will ride a train.

• Ysabeau sounds like she is making a vow of sorts.

[Symon] Any time, dear, just tell me where you want to go and I figure I can make it happen :) [Symon] Maybe you could take that uh... Mr. Olivier somewhere? [Ysabeau] Martan? :) [Symon] Yes, some relation to Maze Olivier? [Ysabeau] He's already been on trains. He's from Greywatch. He actually rode on one of the trains my father worked on! [Symon] Well that has no bearing on whether you take him :P [Ysabeau] (SM: are you jealous?) [Ysabeau] (24)

• Symon might be just a tiny bit disappointed.

[Ysabeau] Oh, Symon... [Symon] Yes? [Ysabeau] We're engaged. [Symon] :o [Symon] Engaged?

• Ysabeau nods.

[Symon] Wow... uh... congratulations. [Symon] .oO( How long have they been seeing each other? )

• Symon looks down at your fingers.

[Ysabeau] Thank you. [Symon] .oO( Oh there it is. ) [Symon] Have you set a date?

• Ysabeau notices and extends her hand for you to inspect the ring.

[Ysabeau] Not yet; we only got engaged very recently.

• Symon appraises it :)

[Ysabeau] But it won't be long before we marry.

• Ysabeau blushes a little.

[Symon] Well, I suppose we'll have to free our schedules to play for your guests :) [Ysabeau] I was thinking rather that you'd be some of the guests. [Ysabeau] It's not going to be big. Just some friends and family. [Symon] What, and give up a paying gig? :) [Symon] Ah, I see :) [Symon] Well I'm glad for you... maybe you'll get to settle down and have a family :) [Ysabeau] Thank you Symon. That is the plan, yes. [Ysabeau] But I hope I don't settle down *too* much. ;) [Symon] I think long walks helps with that :) [Ysabeau] With not settling down? ;) [Symon] Yeah, about the waist and behind? :P [Symon] That's what happens when you get married right? [Ysabeau] To *men*, maybe. [Symon] Well all the more reason for me to avoid it :) [Ysabeau] You're right, I'd better keep Martan on a strict regimen of exercise. [Ysabeau] I hope you don't avoid it forever. [Ysabeau] I think you'd have beautiful children and be a fun father. [Ysabeau] Once you put your dissolute ways mostly behind you, that is.

• Ysabeau teases.

[Symon] Well the secondary advantage of looking for perfect true love is that it takes a while :) [Symon] Though I did meet a nice young lady at the wedding. [Symon] The Countess's bridesmaid, Miss Felise Lozada. [Ysabeau] Oh? [Ysabeau] Do tell. [Ysabeau] Oh! [Ysabeau] I know her. [Ysabeau] She's really nice. [Symon] We had a nice chat when she came by to compliment us on our playing :) [Ysabeau] Good. [Ysabeau] And she's House Cat, too. :) [Ysabeau] If that matters. [Symon] She is :) [Symon] Though I saw the Chief Sorceror dancing with her later -_- [Ysabeau] Oh, sorcerors. They've got nothing on bards. ;)

• Symon chuckles.

[Symon] I hope to run into her again... perhaps you should suggest she join the Society ;) [Ysabeau] Perhaps.

• Ysabeau chuckles.

[Symon] I hear her mother is involved in that cult that skulks about the Arch:/ [Ysabeau] It's true. [Ysabeau] But Felise does not want to have anything to do with it.

• Ysabeau will tell you about how she was rescued from her mother at Ilphere and Menard's engagement party.

• Ysabeau tracks Dominik down at the Palace one day...
• Dominik is found in one of the parlours reading a book
• Ysabeau looks around to see if you're alone.
• Dominik is alone or at least separated from anyone else in the room
• Ysabeau clears her throat lightly, once she is satisfied that you are alone.
• Dominik looks up from his book

[Dominik] Yes? [Ysabeau] Do you have a minute or two?

• Ysabeau seems to be more conciliatory than anything.
• Dominik nods, points to a seat and close the black bound volume he was reading
• Ysabeau pushes the doors closed behind her and comes to sit down on the edge of the seat you pointed to.

[Ysabeau] I want to apologize for losing my temper. [Ysabeau] I said things I shouldn't have and I'm sorry. [Dominik] We were both angry and you were right that I should not have interfered with you.

• Ysabeau nods, not going to push her luck.

[Dominik] I was... fooling myself about you. [Dominik] about what I felt and what I thought you felt.

• Ysabeau looks glum.
• Ysabeau nods slightly, though.
• Ysabeau brings her gaze to meet yours with visible effort, can't hold it for long.
• Ysabeau fidgets.

[Dominik] What is going on with you? Something is wrong or at least bothering you. [Ysabeau] Bothering me.

• Ysabeau agrees.

[Dominik] I doubt there is anything you could tell me that would upset me right now, so just be out with it. [Ysabeau] I'm engaged. [Dominik] With Martin I'm assuming. [Ysabeau] Martan and I...

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] We're also expecting a child. [Ysabeau] I wanted you to hear it from me, not someone else. [Dominik] Congratulations. I know that is something you've wanted, when the time was right.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] We... haven't set a date for the ceremony yet but it will be before First Month, when the baby is due. [Ysabeau] It's just going to be small, some friends and family. [Ysabeau] Would you want to come, or... would you hate every moment of it?

• Dominik nods

[Dominik] I don't know.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] That's fair. If you decide within the next month or so, you'll let me know? [Ysabeau] I wouldn't want to leave you out, if it's something you would want to go to. [Ysabeau] You're still important to me. [Dominik] I can't deny that there will always be a fire, a desire, when I see you... but I'm glad you're doing well for yourself. [Ysabeau] Thank you, Dom... that means a lot to me. [Ysabeau] How are things with you? [Dominik] A mess. [Ysabeau] :/ [Dominik] Nothing of your involve. [Ysabeau] Should I go knock some heads together for you?

• Dominik chuckles

[Dominik] There is little you could do, Ysabeau. [Dominik] but I appreciate the sentiment [Ysabeau] Well, if you think of something, you know where to find me.

• Dominik tilts his head thinking, then has a sly smile.

[Dominik] No, there is nothing you should do. [Ysabeau] Something other than being unfaithful to my betrothed. :P [Ysabeau] You are incorrigible, Dom.

• Ysabeau smiles to take the sting out of it.

[Dominik] I did not ask you to do anything

• Dominik says playfully defensive

[Ysabeau] You didn't have to ask; I know that smile too well. [Dominik] Its not my fault when I smile thats the first thing you think I'm thinking.

• Ysabeau smiles again, biting her tongue.
• Dominik shrugs

[Ysabeau] Well, I hope that once your mess is sorted out, you find someone a million times better than me to be happy with.

• Ysabeau stands up, rubbing her back a bit.

[Dominik] Self deprecation does not suite you. [Dominik] Have a good day [Ysabeau] It doesn't suit anyone, really.

• Dominik will go back to his book

[Ysabeau] You too, Dom. Have a good day.

• Ysabeau smiles fondly then heads off back to whatever musicians do all day long.